Chicago organizations received $1.4 million in HUD funds to tackle housing discrimination.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced yesterday $28 million in grants – $125,000 of that due to a Miami organization – to fight and investigate housing discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities.

Funded through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said the grants will help HUD enforce the Fair Housing Act.

“These grants enable local fair housing and community organizations all over the nation to help HUD enforce the Fair Housing Act, and make people more aware of their fair housing rights,” Donovan said.

The $125,000 of Miami funds will go to the Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence, Inc., which is on 2nd Avenue in Miami and in Broward.

HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity, John Trasviña, said the grants could not have come at a better time.

“Last year, HUD filed more Fair Housing Act charges than any year since 2002,” Trasviña said. “The Fair Housing Initiatives Program grantees play a vital role to enhance our civil rights law enforcement efforts.”